Two turntable wreckers from opposite coasts whose skills are beyond denial, which doesn't necessarily translate into compelling music—Shortkut's done some good stuff, though Swift's albums, both by himself and with the X-Ecutioners, haven't been up to much. War Room, 8 p.m. $12

Thursday, September 15

Zap Mama

Maria Daulne and her Zairean all-female vocal troupe can tour forever on the coffeehouse crossover albums they made during the '90s, but they're here behind last year's Ancestry in Progress (Luaka Bop). Triple Door, 7 p.m. $32 adv./$35

Friday, September 16

The Black Keys

Loud "blues" rock duos haven't yet reached the cultural ubiquity of their three- or four-pieced fellows, but they're getting close. Too bad this one isn't all that interesting, unless you have a rawness fetish. Neumo's, 8 p.m. $13 adv.

Röyksopp + Annie

SEE CD REVIEWS, P. 97. Showbox, 8 p.m. $15 adv./$18

DJ Rap

Back when drum and bass DJs seemed like they actually had a shot at being actual pop stars, DJ Rap made her best attempt, then went back to the ass-kicking DJ work she made her name on. That's where she thankfully remains. Trinity, 10 p.m. $15

Saturday, September 17

Antony and the Johnsons + CocoRosie

SEE FEATURE (COCOROSIE), P. 87. Triple Door, 8 p.m. $18 adv./$20

Danny Barnes

The ex–Bad Livers majordomo celebrates the release of Get Myself Together (Terminus), his fourth solo album, with this show. Tractor Tavern, 9 p.m. $10

Dead Can Dance

These 4AD legends last recorded together in 1996, though principal songwriters Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Parry have found solo success—the former winning an Oscar nod for her Gladiator score in 2000. DCD's darkly ethereal blend of gothic and world music was hugely influential beyond those scenes, and holds up today. Paramount Theatre, 8 p.m. $29.50–59.50. Also Sunday, September 18.

Izabelle (CD release)

Prepare for a flood of new albums from Seattle's talented bands this fall by picking up Izabelle's pop-perfect A Pleasant Fiction. Some By Sea and Broadcast Debut, who both have EPs on the way, open. Paradox, 7:30 p.m. $9

Pulses + the Cripples

Two terrific local bands celebrate the release of their new CDs on Dirtnap (Pulses' Gather Round and Destroy All Our Records; the Cripples' Culture). The Unnatural Helpers open. Funhouse, 9:30 p.m. $5

Squirrel VS Bear

This Chico band would most easily fit in the electro-punk box, but their cutesy name belies a tendency to flirt with pop, resulting in smart melodies you'll remember. The Pharmacy, Plentyface, and the Shudders also rock the good ship Antoinette. S.S. Marie Antoinette, 1235 Westlake Ave. N., 206-419-3847.

Stellastarr*

Stellastarr*'s guitars can go all crazy-blissful like an up-tempo MBV jam, but then Shawn Christensen's bizarre vocal affectations (is it Flock of Seagulls? Robert Smith?) enter the picture, and you don't know whether it's true love or pure pretension. With Every Move a Picture and Joy Wants Eternity. Chop Suey, 8 p.m. $13

Monday, September 19

Culture

They made probably the greatest single roots-reggae album with 1977's Two Sevens Clash, and with strong material since then as well as Joseph Hill's fiery stage presence, the Jamaican trio keep on keeping on with more flair than many of their fellow vets. Larry's, 9 p.m. $15 adv./$20

Lyrics Born

The headliner's wonderful old-man flow is always an up, even on his 100th (or so) appearance in the past couple years. Pigeon John opens. Neumo's, 7:30 p.m. $12 adv.

Tuesday, September 20

Carla Bley and the Lost Chords

One of the great composers and pianists in modern jazz, Bley's always got something up her sleeve, and with this unit (longtime bassist—and husband—Steve Swallow, saxophonist Andy Sheppard, drummer Billy Drummond), anything can and hopefully will happen. Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, 7:30 p.m. $22.50

Mono + Bellini

Noisy indie rock, anyone? That's what the headliners deliver, as do the second-billed, an Italian outfit whose disjointed new Small Stones is just out on Temporary Residence. LKN open. Sunset Tavern, 9 p.m. $8 adv./$10